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What Is Rick Simpson Oil? RSO Explained Test

Working in a dispensary for five years, I came across countless cannabis consumers who found tremendous benefits in using Rick Simpson Oil. 

Here, I’ll unravel the mystery of RSO, a remarkable cannabis extract known for its high potency and diverse therapeutic benefits. 

In the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of RSO and its potential impacts on your wellness journey.

RSO syringe with letters syringe leaking

Key Takeaways 

  • Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a potent, full-spectrum cannabis extract known for its high THC content.
  • Developed by Rick Simpson, who used it for his own cancer treatment, RSO is distinct from other cannabis extracts in its method of extraction and composition. 
  • While RSO has gained attention as a potential alternative cancer treatment, its effectiveness is still under research and the claims are not yet proven by science.

What is RSO? 

RSO, short for Rick Simpson Oil, is a unique, extremely potent cannabis oil extract. 

Known for its deep, dark brown or black color, RSO stands out in the cannabis world like no other product. It’s incredibly rich in THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. This means RSO is much more potent than other cannabis concentrates.

But there’s more to RSO than just its strength. It’s a full-spectrum extract, meaning it contains all the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, not just THC. 

With RSO, you’re getting the full range of cannabis’s active ingredients that contribute to the entourage effect

In short, RSO is like the complete package of cannabis power. It’s a strong, full-spectrum, heavy hitter used for relief.

Who is Rick Simpson? 

Rick Simpson is the Canadian trailblazer behind Rick Simpson Oil. 

His journey into the world of cannabis is both personal and profound. In 1997, he suffered an extreme head injury, leading to a diagnosis of Post Concussion Syndrome. 

The prescribed meds were no help at all. So, in 1998, after tuning into a documentary on medical hemp, Rick decided to give cannabis a shot. While it didn’t cure his condition, it made a huge difference in helping him relax and sleep. 

Fast forward to 2003, Rick faced a new challenge: skin cancer. He took a leap of faith and turned to full-extract cannabis oil for treatment. 

Rick applied the oils directly to the tumors and covered them with a bandage. Four days later, he claims, the dressing came off to reveal the tumors had vanished.

And thus, the legacy of Rick Simpson and his now-famous RSO began. 

RSO syringe

Is RSO Just Cannabis Extract?

No, RSO is not just cannabis extract. 

RSO distinguishes itself from other cannabis extracts primarily due to its high levels of THC. 

This is partly due to how RSO is extracted. RSO utilizes a unique method that ensures it is always a full-spectrum extract, retaining all the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. 

The physical characteristics of RSO also set it apart. It typically has a thick, viscous consistency and is a dark brown or black color. Regular cannabis extracts are typically thinner and lighter in color. 

The purpose behind RSO is also a key differentiator. 

RSO was specifically developed for medical use, particularly targeting cancer treatment. In contrast, other cannabis extracts are used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. 

Is Rick Simpson Oil Effective? 

RSO has gained significant attention in the realm of alternative cancer treatments, sparking both hope and skepticism. The big question is: is RSO genuinely effective in treating cancer? 

There’s limited and evolving research on RSO’s effectiveness. “Cannabis Use in Patients With Cancer” is a 2022 clinical review that highlights the limited high-quality research available. 

There’s a 2013 case study involving a 14-year-old patient diagnosed with leukemia that’s particularly interesting. The patient’s care team noted that she had “reached the limits of available therapy and that no further active intervention would be undertaken.” 

Placed in palliative home care, the family turned to Phoenix Tears, an organization led by Rick Simpson. They started administering RSO orally in small, increasing doses. Remarkably, the patient showed a significant response shortly after the treatment began.

However, the precise cause of the change in response could not be determined nor attributed directly to RSO. 

As the treatment continued, there was a noticeable decrease in the use of morphine for pain, increased euphoria, and improved alertness. There was also a drastic reduction in white blood cell count. 

RSO syringe in long hand illustrated

This shows a dose-response curve, indicating that the efficacy of cannabinoid treatment in leukemia depends on dosing frequency, dosage, and the potency of the cannabis strains. 

While this single case study cannot conclusively determine RSO’s efficiency, it does indicate the potential of ROS for selective action against cancer cells and reducing conventional chemotherapy side effects. 

Additionally, a Reddit thread titled Treating My Cancer With RSO Instead of Chemo provides a first-person account of a man who, after being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing surgery to remove a tumor and part of his colon, state that he used RSO instead of chemotherapy.  

Despite initial skepticism from medical professionals, he was eventually declared cancer-free. However, the exact attributing factors to his recovery are not clear, nor are they proven in a clinical setting.

These cases should approached cautiously. They highlight the potential benefits of RSO but also show the need for more focused research. 

As cannabis research continues to evolve, it will be essential to approach RSO treatment with an open mind. 

How is RSO Made? 

RSO is made using a specific method that involves submerging buds in a solvent to extract THC. This method involves several steps to ensure the effective extraction of the oil.

Initially, cannabis plant material is covered with alcohol in a large container. This mixture is stirred for a few minutes to dissolve the THC into the solvent. 

Once this is done, the mixture is strained through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a bowl, carefully avoiding any plant material passing through. This step is crucial to ensure that only the liquid containing the dissolved compounds is collected.

After the first straining, more alcohol is added to the plant material, and the mixture is stirred again. This process helps in extracting any remaining THC from the plant material. 

This second batch of liquid is also strained, and the residual plant material is discarded, leaving behind just the alcohol-THC solution. The remaining liquid is then cooked in a well-ventilated area away from a stove or open fire. 

This step is vital for safety, as the process involves boiling off the solvent (alcohol), which is highly flammable. The cooking continues until the alcohol completely evaporates, leaving behind the THC-rich oil.

Once the solvent is entirely removed, the remaining oil, rich in THC and other cannabinoids, is carefully transferred into syringes. These syringes are typically used for storage and precise dosing.